South Australia Wine

South Australia is the strong arm of the Australia wine industry, where the majority of the country’s wines are produced. Some of the biggest labels originate from this state, from the mass-produced tables wines to rare, highly prized cult bottlings such as Penfolds, Grant Burge and Henschke Hill of Grace. And in a vast range of styles from sparkling to sweet. Due to a successful quarantine against Phylloxera, which hit the east of the country and otherwise devastated Europe, South Australia can boast some of the oldest original vines in the world.

The pride of the region is Shiraz, the signature grape brought over from the Rhone that thrives in many of the area’s microclimates. But each region has its own variation in terroir and weather system, lending to diverse styles and grape-growing trends from the warm, bold, red-driven Barossa and Coonawarra regions to cooler climate, white-producing Clare and Eden valleys.
The regions of South Australia state are:

South Australia is the strong arm of the Australia wine industry, where the majority of the country’s wines are produced. Some of the biggest labels originate from this state, from the mass-produced tables wines to rare, highly prized cult bottlings such as Penfolds, Grant Burge and Henschke Hill of Grace. And in a vast range of styles from sparkling to sweet. Due to a successful quarantine against Phylloxera, which hit the east of the country and otherwise devastated Europe, South Australia can boast some of the oldest original vines in the world.

The pride of the region is Shiraz, the signature grape brought over from the Rhone that thrives in many of the area’s microclimates. But each region has its own variation in terroir and weather system, lending to diverse styles and grape-growing trends from the warm, bold, red-driven Barossa and Coonawarra regions to cooler climate, white-producing Clare and Eden valleys.
The regions of South Australia state are:

* Fleurieu Peninsula, which includes the McLaren Vale, Langhorne Creek and Kangaroo Island regions for Shiraz and Rhone varietal blends (with Grenache and Mourvedre) as well as Cabernet, whites from Viognier, Chardonnay and Verdelho.
* Far North, with only one region, the Southern Flinders Ranges, known for high quality Shiraz, Cabernet and Merlot. Many grapes grown are sourced to vineyards in other regions.
* Barossa, a mix of Rhone and Bordeaux varietals and blends with some whites, but including the Eden Valley, famous for its Rieslings.
* Riverland, known for its Chardonnay as well as Shiraz, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Many grapes grown here are used for blends in wines from other regions.
* Limestone Coast, includes the rock star red Coonawarra region and the sparkling and Pinot Noir-friendly Padthaway. The area is known for its terra rossa soil type and high quality productions.
* Mount Lofty Ranges, which encompasses the Adelaide Hills, Clare Valley and Adelaide Plains. This area is known for excellent cool climate varietal productions from Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc as well as sparking wines.

Those who know Riesling intimately, and drink it often, can argue that the top Rieslings are some of the greatest white wines in the world. It is interesting to think about its greatness in comparison to another top white variety – Chardonnay.

There are a number of different pests and diseases that affect vineyards worldwide and each presents a different challenge depending on the climate and growing practices of that region. These viticultural criminals that affect grapevines come in sever...

Wine myths are often unspoken but incredibly pervasive. Their looming presence may prevent wine novices from feeling confident about how they drink. Most would agree that wine experiences are best enjoyed with friends, but myths can hinder otherwise jo...

Cut grass and hints of poblano chilies greet the nose followed by lemon and pineapple fruit. This is bright and zesty in the mouth with just a hint of trapped CO2 adding a little prickle on the tongue. the flavors are quite pure in this refreshing styl...

Sunflowers and hay on the nose with a touch of honey and cream. Seemingly sweet approach, mostly from the dried apricot and honey flavors, there's a good mouthfeel here, puckering acidity to balance the alcohol, a good dose of honeydew melon and lemon,...

Mostly this gives off red berry fruits, pepper - interestingly both black & white - cardamom, a silky smooth balanced tannin to acid finish that is both long and mouthwatering. I've not knowingly had a wine from either contributing producer, but if thi...

This is one of the most intense fruit bombs available on the market. It has an abundance of plum, lots of licorice, pepper and spices. If you are one who loves instense flavor, this is the one for you. The finish is excellent

A nose of subtropical flowers (even dandelion), smooth and semi-sweet on entry with a hint of stem-like bitterness on the finish (not unusual). A bit too muscular on the flowery elements for some, but a sound wine at a great price. 87 points.

Yeah this was a wonderful wine. Straight away with the nose - very powerful and forceful. Spicy and hints of bacon. Very rounded on the palate. A big hit of dark, dark chocolate on the mid and a wonderful finish - very smooth and velvety. Be careful - ...

A recent Tasting Room selection. Rather nondescript Shiraz-Cabernet. Spicy Plum, Cherry/Plum; Pine/Oak/Plum. Medium High Tannins. There I drank it and finished the Bottle, but wish I had had something better. Forgettable.
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This is a nice value wine that exemplifies both a deep, slightly spicy dry quality along with a fresh juicy forward approach that is standard for a Merlot. Nice purple-ish/cherry coloration and fruity aromas that are borderline boozy, woody and some cinnamon/peppercorn spice. Decent overall
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Wine review
by
chriscage

Jul 7, 2011

New image uploaded to this page.

Page modification
by
453542Mr Dolce453542

Feb 12, 2010

I am a South Aussie and Adelaide is a great wine destination, Barossa Valley is 1 hour drive, Clare Valley is a 1.5 hr drive, McLaren Vale is 45 minute Drive, Coonawarra is 4 hour drive and Adelaide Hills is literally a suburb.